Abel Garza was recognized as the new Asst. Superintendent for Government and Community Affairs.

Among the facts presented by the group, it was noted that the student population continues to grow, and is now 69,716 students. It was noted through slides that At Risk students comprised 71% of the population, but the attendance rate was improved from last year. Ethnic makeup of the district is now 71% Hispanic, 24% Afro-American, and 5% Anglo. The district is now accommodating students from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Hondurus as well as Mexico.

Bamberg noted that academic achievement lags behind state averages in all areas. Seven campuses have been designated as “Improvement Required” an advance over last year when 20 campuses were so rated. However, 3 campuses are now required by the state to be “reconstituted” due to two years of poor student results. These are Smith, Hall, and Nimitz HS. Bamberg explained how the district had put together a plan and a team headed by a Janet Ray, District Improvement Officer to deal with these problem campuses and achieve results.

Student presentations included information on End of Class tests, extra curricular activities, Aldine Education Foundation, college planning, and more.

Bamberg noted that the district was in much better financial shape this year, with some state money having been restored, and the new session of the Legislature being asked to restore more money.

Other issues that are being asked from the Legislature, include full-day funding for PreK, funds for more instructional materials, funds for recent arrivals who have additional needs in education and social and emotional areas, funding for additional facilities, reduction of testing requirement, and allowing districts to have more local control.

The total budget for the next year is $598 million, but the tax rate has been reduced from $1.31/100 to $1.28/100.

Construction is continuing on three new buildings, an elementary school at Cypress Point, and a child nutrition center and an education center for COMPASS/GAP being built on Aldine-Bender Road.

A Multi-Stake Steering Committee has been formed, she said, to make plans for future growth in population, curriculum and technology, and will report to the board in July.

She asked the audience to look at the new website for the district, which will also include more Spanish text.